Eurasian Eagle Owl

General Information

Arguably, the world’s largest owl with a wing span of 160-188cm and the female weighing up to 4.2kg. Its size, ear-tufts and bright orange eyes make it an easily identifiable bird.

It now lives and breeds successfully in the UK after becoming extinct for several centuries. The World Owl Trust has recently changed its status on this owl regarding it as a British species due to fossil evidence proving it was once a native species.

At the moment this is controversial, because Eurasian Eagle Owls do not like to share hunting grounds it may become a threat some of our smaller birds of prey.

Fun Fact

In a classic British compromise the Eurasian Eagle Owl officially remains an alien species but as a resident wild bird is protected from being killed.

Keeper Notes

Our group (or parliament) of five Eurasian Eagle Owls are all re-homed unwanted pets. Such a large species of owl seems to make them a popular choice. Owls are specialist birds and most certainly not pets and what a surprise - they are very noisy at night-time!